Sword, Mississippi State beat Auburn 74-71 in OT

STARKVILLE — Craig Sword scored 19 points and hit two crucial free throws in overtime to lead Mississippi State to a 74-71 win over Auburn Saturday.

Mississippi State (9-21, 4-14 Southeastern Conference) trailed by three late in regulation, but Colin Borchert hit a deep 3-pointer to force overtime. Borchert finished with 20 points.

Auburn (9-22, 3-15) had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Chris Denson couldn’t get his runner to fall.

In overtime, a 3-pointer by Fred Thomas put Mississippi State up 71-69, but a goaltending call on the other end tied the game again. After a foul, Sword hit both free throws, and Roquez Johnson added another for the win.

Mississippi State was 25-of-62 shooting and hit 8 of 17 3-pointers. Auburn was 28-of-68 shooting and hit only 3 of 17 3-pointers.